Under clear skies, the Marion Rescue Squad unveiled a new ambulance during its dedication ceremony Thursday at the Marion County Industrial Park.
Adding significance to the moment was Road Rescue's 170 employees, many of whom are responsible for manufacturing the “pristine” vehicle. The company is housed in the industrial park. Also on hand for the event were several county dignitaries, including Marion Mayor Bobby Gerald, Marion County Administrator Tim Harper, Marion County Economic Development Director Rodney Berry, Congressman Jim Clyburn representative Kenneth Barnes, and Marion fire and rescue squad members.
Gerald applauded the efforts of Clyburn's office and his assistance with the grant process, which resulted in the award of $117,800 through the Firefighters Assistance program of the Department of Homeland Security. Firefighters and rescue squad members raised an additional $13,000 through fundraisers and donations to pay for the new addition to the county's rescue vehicle fleet.
The mayor praised the quality of the manufacturing, calling it the best he’s ever seen.
“I’m just happy our own people made it ... they’re a blue chip industry that’s here to stay,” Gerald said.
Road Rescue president Gary Decosse thanked the emergency responders, presenting a gift of a $500 credit for the squad when it's time to replace the vehicle's lighting.
“We’re very excited and proud to be fortunate enough to have such nice equipment, and it also makes us proud to have it built in Marion County,” City of Marion Fire Chief Alan Ammons said.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Spartan Motors Inc, Road Rescue is one of the leading manufactures of custom ambulances. According to a press release, in 2003, the company moved manufacturing operations to the new state-of-the-art facility in Marion.
Employees at Road Rescue require various skills in welding, painting, electrical and cabinetry. The company produces an average of 19 custom vehicles monthly, the release said.
City of Marion Assistant Fire Chief Trey Cooper said the rescue squad was established in 1956.
“I’ve worked in a lot of ambulances and never been in one quite as nice as this one,” he said, adding that they received everything they needed. Assistant Fire Chief Aundray Bowens thanked the employees for their hard work and said the fire and rescue workers really appreciate the new equipment.
“The best of the best,” Gerald said of his fire and rescue squad members. Now they’re working with some of the best emergency vehicle equipment Marion County has to offer.
"It's not just an excellent product, it's excellent people," Decosse said about the ambulance and workers.
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